Outside the Lines: Liv McGoverne

When Liv McGoverne isn’t immersed in the physicality of elite rugby, her world looks a little different off the pitch.

The New Zealand-born player has carved out a space in England not just as an athlete, but as someone growing into a style that feels entirely her own.

Away from the structure and demands of the game, McGoverne’s approach to fashion is ground in comfort, confidence, and self-expression. What started as a quiet shift, moving away from expectations and into authenticity, has become a defining part of her identity.

How would you describe your personal style?

It’s more on the tomboy side. Quite casual, oversized clothing and mainly tailored towards comfort.

What does a typical off-day outfit look like for you?

A pair of jeans with a t-shirt and a cap, very chill.

Do you think your style has changed since playing elite rugby?

Definitely. Since moving to England, I’ve been more comfortable to be myself and dress in what I actually feel good in. I used to wear more feminine things when I was younger and back home in New Zealand because I was quite embarrassed of dressing how I wanted to, but I just didn’t feel like myself. I almost recreated myself when I moved here and started wearing what actually felt like me, which has really helped my confidence.

Is there anything that you incorporate from rugby style into your personal style?

I like the retro, vintage style shirts. If I was going to watch a game as a fan, it would be quite cool to pair a baggy retro shirt over the top of a hoodie.

Do you think feeling confident in what you wear off the pitch feeds into your confidence on it, or do you think that's just a completely separate thing?

100%, yes. If you can be fully yourself off the field, that confidence transfers onto the field. That also makes you feel more confident with your teammates and how you feel with them.

Matchday Liv vs non-matchday Liv - how different are they style-wise?

Non-matchday I’m usually in comfy clothes and my hair is a bit of a mess… But I try to make myself look a bit more presentable on a gameday.

Is there a piece in your wardrobe that you always come back to, or a piece that means something special to you?

I always go back to baggy jeans; they’re a staple for me. I have a couple of knits that are by New Zealand and Australian brands, which I always come back to because they’re unique.

Who or what inspires your style in any sort of way, whether that's teammates, social media, designers, or just life around you?

Claudia Moloney-MacDonald has really cool style, so I’d definitely say her. I also follow some of the football girls on social media who inspire my outfits.

How important do you think it is for women’s rugby to show players’ personalities and style away from the pitch?

It’s so important. We all look quite similar on the pitch, so what you wear outside of that which is how you express your personality. I only saw girls in dresses when I was younger, so it would’ve been helpful for me to see people dressing more like I do. It can be inspiring.

It’s also important to see the girls in rugby who dress more feminine, because it takes away the stereotype of what a typical rugby player ‘should’ look like.

What fashion trend would you bring back from the grave?

Do you remember the New York tops that people used to wear? Something like that probably. But never skinny jeans – those can stay gone.